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How to Not Be Nervous Before a Session

June 9, 2019

I’ve fiiiiinally gotten to the point where 9 times out of 10, I don’t feel nervous before a session anymore. Instead, I feel excited. Wait, whaaat? That’s possible??

Here are three things that have really made a difference.

I’m confident in my posing game & in setting up my camera settings.

In the early days, there was a lot of anxiety around whether
I would accidentally miss a shot because I didn’t have my settings right. But
after years of practice and paying attention to what settings work best in
different environments, I like to say that I’ve gotten it down.

The same thing goes with posing. Yes, I used to pose my couples
pretty formally. But I knew there were better ways, and I went hunting for
them. I figured out some fun prompts to tell my couples, and more than that – I
figured out what environments and photo ideas would clearly show them. What would make them feel
comfortable and get them laughing naturally, so that there was no more of that
awkward everybody-look-stiff-and-uncomfortable poses.

I’ve gotten A LOT better at communicating well beforehand.

Ohhhhh man, has this been BIG. No more showing up to a
session having barely talked beforehand and then trying to cram in a quick “let’s
become friends in five minutes” chat before getting some photos. Nope, nope,
nope.

Instead, I give couples my number as soon as they email me
for the first time. Yep, you read that right. Texting is 10x easier for so many
of us, and I want what’s most convenient for them. I’ve also started sending
questionnaires 1-2 weeks in advance so that we’re all on the same page, and I
can be as prepped as possible for their session. AND, I’ll touch base with them
a day or two before just to make sure they still know what time we’re meeting,
where, and anything they should bring or be aware of.

Game. Changing.

I treat it like a friendship. ‘Cause heck, that’s way more fun.

Wayyyyyy more fun!! I’m trying to become more consistent about this next part because it’s made a big difference: going out to eat together before their session. People connect over food. There’s just something about bonding over tacos and laughing about spilling root beer all over the table (#guilty).

Listen, they’ll feel comfortable if you’re comfortable.
Invite them in, get to know them for who they are. What are they passionate
about? Do they have any vacations coming up that they’re excited about? What’s
their story?

Some genuine conversation and laughter goes a long, long
way. And that’s probably the biggest thing that’s made me a whole lot less
nervous before sessions these days. Because I stopped focusing on whether I
remembered everything (that’s important too, just don’t dwell on it) and
instead focused on them.

That’s the real game-changer. What are some ways you can
help them feel more comfortable beforehand? How can you curate their session
around them, to make it feel more meaningful?